The latest season of Stranger Things has generated an internet buzz, and this time, it’s beyond the characters, storyline and suspense. The renowned mystery adventure series had an exclusive collaboration with Casio by reimagining vintage watches from the 1980s.
There are a lot of factors in defining an iconic watch. It has to stand the test of time and remain a crowd favourite, like the Cartier Tank Louis. It can also feature breakthrough inventions, like the corrosion-resistant Rolex Submariner that changed the world of scuba diving watches. Ahead, we list some of the best vintage timepieces worth investing in for all time.
Rolex Submariner
Rolex first revealed its Submariner line at the Basel Watch Fair, an international watch trade show, in 1954. The model boasted more than being water-resistant – it was specifically designed for diving. The first model could submerge to a depth of 100 m in water, while the latest model can submerge up to 300 m. But it was the James Bond franchise that skyrocketed its popularity. With a total of nine out of 25 movie appearances, the British Secret Service agent really sold its appeal to a larger audience.
Patek Philippe Calatrava 96
It is only natural to list Patek Philippe Calatrava as one of the best classic vintage watches to invest in. The charm lies in its evergreen elegance, splicing both precision and prestige that generated popularity during World War I. The timepiece also featured several of Patek’s breakthroughs: the automatic winding mechanism, Gyromax balance wheel, and a water-resistant case. Different variations of the Calatrava have since been released, but the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96 remains the most iconic, with 40 years of production that proved the watch’s success and popularity.
Cartier Tank Louis
Cartier Tank Louis’ sleek and dainty design makes it the ultimate unisex choice. Although the brand is widely known for its jewellery, Cartier’s history in watchmaking is not to be reckoned with. The maison pioneered numerous inventions in the world of haute horlogerie, including opting for a rectangular case for the Cartier Tank, in contrast to the conventional round shape for wristwatches at the time. Both its name and curvilinear shape drew inspiration from the Renault FT–17 tank used during World War I. Using a quartz movement was no coincidence either, but rather a distinctive choice in ensuring high autonomy and precision. Additionally, the black alligator leather strap provides a durable, unique grain. It is no wonder Princess Diana made the timepiece a staple for her outfits, regardless of occasion.
Omega Speedmaster
Not only does the Omega Speedmaster stand the test of time, but it also ages gracefully, consistently climbing the popularity ladder amongst watch enthusiasts throughout the years. It was first introduced in 1957 as the first watch to separate the tachymeter from the dial, providing a cleaner look for sporting events. Sealing its legacy was astronaut Walter Schirra in 1962, who first used the Omega watch outside of the Earth’s atmosphere, followed by Edwin Aldrin in 1969. It was then that “The Moonwatch” became a nickname synonymous with the Omega Speedmaster.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic
Who could ever forget a flippable case watch, made popular by Jaeger-LeCoultre? The inventive reversible feature was made for durability as well as in response to the need for practicality for the most rigorous of sports. The historical story of its origins goes back to the year 1930, when businessman Cesar de Trey needed to find a way to protect a watch’s glass for polo players during matches. He then proposed the idea to his friend Jacques-David LeCoultre, and the rest is history.
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